Immediately after the assault you may be in a state of shock. Usually, your first reaction will be to take a bath or shower. Please do not. Instead, wrap yourself in something warm such as a blanket or coat. Call someone to help you immediately.

We recommend that you call the Henry Wise Wellness Center at 301-860-4171, and/or Counseling Services in Thurgood Marshall Library, Room 001, at 301-860-4161 for an initial contact.

Victims react to this state of shock in different ways. Some are upset, angry, or calm. Whatever your reaction, you may be able to make better decisions by talking to someone you trust or someone trained, instead of responding to your initial feelings immediately after the crime.

Staying warm, instead of cleaning up right away, will help you accomplish two important things:

you will be helping your body to recover from the shock due to the assault;

you will not have disturbed or destroyed any evidence needed to prosecute.

It is extremely important that you:

DO NOT

DO

Shower or bathe

Get to a safe place

Brush or comb your hair

Call the police for help

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Lock doors and windows

Urinate (if possible)

Keep warm

Change clothes

Get medical attention

Brush or rinse your teeth or smoke

Eat or drink something

Touch things at the crime scene

Write down everything you can remember

Take a change of clothes to the hospital or sexual assault center

If you must change your clothes, put them in a paper bag (plastic destroys evidence)